Our Story

Briar Barn Inn is a distinctive farmhouse experience, created by Briar Forsythe of Bramble Hospitality. With her family’s partnership and their love of antiquities and historical locations, she created a new hospitality concept inspired by the rural themes found north of Boston.

Our Origin

In 2007, Briar Forsythe hosted the first wedding at Willowdale Estate after many years of thoughtful restoration. Today, Willowdale Estate is one of the most awarded and sought-after wedding and event venues in New England.

Utilizing her successful years in the hospitality industry, Briar and her team established Bramble Hospitality in 2017, dedicated to great food, beautiful surroundings, and exceptional service. In 2019 Bramble Hospitality introduced a second property, Briar Barn Inn, which features an on-site restaurant, Grove, and The Spa at Briar Barn Inn.

Our Locations

Briar Barn Inn

Briar Barn Inn offers laid-back luxury in a farmhouse setting, where New England’s pastoral beauty and serenity live in harmony with our favorite modern amenities. Guestrooms are outfitted with fireplaces, soaking tubs, robes, and slippers. The property features an on-site restaurant, spa, winding courtyard paths, an outdoor fire pit, and a pool. We are located in Rowley, Massachusetts, in the center of the North Shore’s most prized destinations, with easy access to Cape Ann culture, Essex seafood, Ipswich beaches, and Newburyport shops.

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Willowdale Estate

Willowdale Estate is a venue for weddings and events located in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Our location includes guidance from an award-winning team that provides the catering, equipment, and service for each event. The gracious fieldstone mansion offers the unpretentious elegance of an authentic country manor. Our team will craft a memorable occasion marked by impeccable hospitality and personalized service. Willowdale Estate is located within a 700-acre state park in Topsfield, Massachusetts, just over 30 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts.

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Grove at Briar Barn Inn

Our restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience where guests and locals can enjoy inventive cuisine and casual favorites. Our Chef, Ben Lightbody, draws on his love of local products, years of worldwide culinary tourism, and passion for great flavor. Our restaurant is steps away from the guest rooms at Briar Barn Inn and the Spa at Briar Barn Inn. Grove at Briar Barn Inn also hosts events year-round and is located on Main Street in Rowley, Massachusetts.

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The Spa at Briar Barn Inn

The Spa at Briar Barn Inn provides holistic treatments that promote personal well-being and encourage health and harmony. Enjoy a relaxing massage, a fragrant foot soak, or a rejuvenating skin treatment, all offered in the privacy and comfort of our newly designed spa facility. Learn more about our natural skin care products, gift items, and wellness accessories sold in-store. Our goal is to help you feel nurtured and beautiful after every visit.

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